The completion of an expansion project at Woodland Manor will be going well beyond an earlier anticipated completion date of Dec. 31.
A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure says the target for opening is now March.
"The contractor is currently working to complete the remaining deficiency work, which needs to be completed before the facility can be put into service," stated Nancy Zimmerman, the manager of public affairs and communications with the department, in response to e-mailed questions from The Hub.
She noted the $6.3-million project is a joint venture of Arctic Canada Construction Ltd. and the Hay River Metis Government Council.
The project began in August 2016.
"The expansion is to accommodate 10 beds currently in the old H.H. Williams Hospital, allowing for the sharing of existing Woodland Manor building services," said Zimmerman. "The addition to Woodland Manor does not create any new incremental long-term care beds in the community."
Erin Griffiths, the chief executive officer of the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, is disappointed the project missed its original completion target of Dec. 31.
"I think our families' residents were anticipating celebrating the New Year in the new facility, as well," she said on Jan. 17.
While the completion target was Dec. 31 that did not mean the expanded Woodland Manor would have been ready to accept new residents on that date.
When the project is completed, staff will require time to implement workflows, train on systems in the facility and implement new staffing models before the residents move in. In addition, furniture and equipment will have to be moved.
Woodland Manor currently has 15 long-term care beds.